Safe riders ... you make snowmobiling safe!

  • Published
  • By Rod Krause
  • 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety manager
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Finally the snow has arrived and across the northern plains of North Dakota and Montana, and the wooded areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin. More than 10 million people look forward to that blanket of white and the pleasures of enjoying the outdoors on snowmobiles. Many things make snowmobiling fun: the breathtaking beauty of a snow-filled woods, field or mountain; the precision performance of a well-designed machine; the satisfaction of traversing the winter landscape with friends and family. 

Snowmobiling is fun, but it can be hard work as well. It challenges the body and mind, and that's part of the reason people are so relaxed at the end of a day of snowmobiling. While riding the wind, sun, glare, cold, vibration, motion and other factors work together to affect both driver and passenger. Yes, there are plenty of challenges while driving a snowmobile into the winter wonderland. However, there are other factors to take into consideration when operating a snowmobile. 

Alcohol magnifies and distorts those challenges and can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a situation that's hazardous for all involved. Alcohol and snowmobiling simply do not mix. Forget that myth that alcohol warms up a chilled person. It opens the blood vessels and removes the feeling of chill, but it does nothing to increase body heat. Instead, it can increase the risk of hypothermia, a dangerous lowering of the body's core temperature. With alcohol, a person may feel warmer but the body chills dangerously. Alcohol increases fatigue, fogs the ability to make good decisions, and slows reaction time. It's part of a formula for disaster. And don't forget - most states have laws prohibiting the operation of a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol. 

The rider should know their abilities, as well as the machine's, and not go beyond them. Learn the riding area by getting a map or talking to local riders. Learn more about the sport by reading manuals and other materials from manufacturers, administrators and snowmobile associations, or watch videos or computer programs from these sources. Snowmobile clubs, and state and provincial associations offer courses, information and activities. Many members are certified driving and/or safety instructors. Keep the machine in top shape. There are two good guides available for snowmobile maintenance: the owner's manual that came with your machine and your dealer. Consult both to make sure the machine is kept in top form for dependable, enjoyable fun. Local clubs or associations may also conduct safety and maintenance programs. Before each ride, follow the "pre-op" check outlined in the owner's manual.
Regulations on sled registration and use are different in various parts of the snow belt. 

Check with natural resource and law enforcement agencies, and snowmobile dealers or clubs in the area to make sure the ride results in legal and hassle-free snowmobiling. Remember some states have age restrictions for snowmobile operation, often requiring that children are supervised by adults. 

Wearing layers of clothing allows a rider the ability to add or remove a layer or two to match changing conditions. A windproof outer layer is especially important, as are warm gloves or mitts, boots and a helmet. Make sure the helmet is safety-certified, the right size and in good condition. A visor is essential for clear vision and wind protection and the chin strap should be snug. Wear glasses or goggles that offer protection from the sun. 

Remember, it's the safe rider that makes snowmobiling safe. Many problems will be avoided by using common sense. Minor problems can be overcome by carrying a useful tool kit, spare parts, flashlight, first-aid kit and a few survival items such as high-energy food, fire-starting equipment and a compass. 

Today's snowmobile is a mechanical marvel. It provides inspiring performance, reliability and pleasing aesthetics, combined with essential safety design and components. Safe riders drive within the limits of their machine and their abilities. Remember, speed is not the measure of snowmobiling fun. The rider should always ride at a speed in which he can stop within his line of sight. Slow down and enjoy the scenery and the experience. Ease up on the throttle especially when near other machines, people, trees, animals and other objects. It's good sense -- and it's the law!
Don't snowmobile alone. Not only is snowmobiling more fun with family and friends, it's safer too. The rider should file a "snow plan" describing your machine and your planned route. A plan like this may help others know where to look if the rider is overdue. Leave one with family or friends. When the rider returns he should let family and friends know he's back or has arrived at the destination. No one likes needless searches. 

Safe riders snowmobile to enjoy the outdoors. They treat it with respect. They wait for enough snow cover to protect vegetation. They avoid running over trees and shrubs. They appreciate, but don't disturb, animals or other outdoor users. Remember, a rider focusing on the tail light of the snowmobile ahead of him is the cause of many accidents. If the rider's eyes are fixed on the tail light, he is not likely to notice if the machine ahead makes a move to avoid collision. After snowmobiling for several hours, reaction time slows. So be aware that even though a rider may not feel tired, the motion, wind and vibration of the machine may begin to dull the senses. 

Low-light and darkness require special care. Slow down and watch for others. Overcast days require extra caution. Don't over-drive the machine's headlights. The rider should ask himself, "Am I driving slow enough to see an object in time to avoid a collision?" At night on the lakes and large open fields, estimating distances and direction of travel may become difficult. It is important to keep some point of reference when riding at night. 

The safest snowmobiling rule is never to cross lakes or rivers. Besides the danger of plunging through the ice, the machine has far less traction for starting, turning and stopping on ice than on snow. Collisions on lakes account for a significant number of accidents. Don't hold the attitude that lakes are flat, wide open areas, free of obstructions. Remember, if one can ride and turn in any direction, without boundaries, so can other riders. The threat of a collision can come from any direction. If the rider decides to snowmobile on the ice, make absolutely sure the ice is safely frozen. Do not trust the judgment of other snowmobilers. You are responsible for your own safe snowmobiling. Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobile fatalities. Consider buying a buoyant snowmobile suit. If a rider goes through the ice, remember that a snowmobile suit (even a non-buoyant one) and helmet may keep a rider afloat for several minutes. 

Even if we don't live near mountains, many people want to visit the Cascades, Adirondacks, Rockies or other mountains someday. Mountain snowmobiling is spectacular, but can pose extra dangers such as avalanches. Some avalanche areas may be posted and closed, but be cautious of avalanche dangers throughout mountain country. Riding in these areas should only be done after receiving proper mountain riding training. Mountain snowmobilers should carry avalanche beacons, shovels, probe poles for locating people buried in snow, and a portable radio to summon help. 

Just because the sled has been parked for the day, don't rest your safe rider good sense. If after-snowmobile activities include drinking alcohol, select a non-drinking designated driver for auto travel. That will help keep everyone alive and in good shape for that next snowmobile outing!